42 - What is a Charger Fail?

[@wjc252006]

I have not done any service training yet, but glad you created this batttery vs charger video. I was wondering how to troubleshoot this problem. I have seen this where power panels don't show voltage when not connected to the batteries. I was so confused being I did not know a panel can shut that feature off when no batteries connected and batteries were at 12V or 24. So I thought impossible to check charging circuit. Test with amperage. Fantastic!!!!

[@dylarama1]

Thanks for making these videos. just started in this industry 6 months ago and your videos have been a great learning tool for me

[@TheSafetyQ]

Great troubleshooting video. Most technician troubleshooting is a weakness. Thanks!

[@reicehamel1829]

A simple method to determine if a Vi source ( Voltage Current Source ) aka power supply of any type or charging circuit is operating is to put your meter on the voltage range and see what the open/ no load voltage is at the output of the system. You do not need to put a current meter in series with the batteries to determine this. Charging circuits will put out a greater voltage than the normal operating range of the batteries being charged... ie 12v systems with charge at 14.4volts, 24v systems will charge up to 28volts . So if you do not see a no load charge voltage of 14.4vdc or 27vdc then the power supply or charger has malfunctioned. You can also load the system by putting a fresh set of batteries and do the same test to see if the output is within the range I specified...

[@boolve]

As you said in advance, as charger is a bit smart it doesn't start charge batteries if initial battery voltage is drastically too low, in case you have hucked 12v battery instead 24.

[@aivaovia1252]

Why is the fire panel indicating charger fault

[@defritzel]

It depends on the type and sophistication of the fire panel. Some will show charger fault, some will show battery miss wire, and some will actually show you the voltage of the batteries.

[@tbyrd9772]

Joe all you had to do was measure the batteries individually for 12 vdc each if they read 4 to 5 vdc they are pretty much bad and as far as the current just put a load tester on them if they fell after reading voltage then it's not the charger .

[@JoeKlochan]

Yeah, that's not true at all, and really wouldn't help anyone.